Georgia lawmakers vote on religious athletic gear bill
ATLANTA (AP) – The Georgia House is set to vote on a bill preventing state-funded high schools from joining athletic associations that don’t allow athletes to wear clothing expressing religious beliefs.
The bill is included on the House’s schedule for Tuesday.
The proposal is aimed at the Georgia High School Association. Some lawmakers have criticized the association for disqualifying a runner wearing a headband with a Bible verse on it from a recent event.
The organization has said its national rules require student athletes to be in uniform with no other adornments. Opponents of the measure say the association is a private organization and should be not be punished for following its own rules.
The measure also allows schools to compete across athletic associations.
A Senate version of the bill remains in committee.
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